I’ve developed this car over the last 12 years and it has served me very well but now it has to make way for another project (Porsche 911). I will be sad to see it go but less so if I know it is being flogged in the way it was intended and built for. I know it’s an unusual choice of vehicle but it shares much of its mechanicals with the WRX of its era yet hauls a lot more stuff to the track. Plus, there’s nothing better than beating an STI in an Outback wagon! In it’s current form it is a proven winner in SCCA RallyCross M4 class, it was before the engine swap so is even faster now. In SCCA Autocross it runs in Street Mod (I think) or Prepared and can win with the right tires on. I never ran it suitably equipped but it did win FSP a few years ago with me driving. It usually goes even faster with someone else driving. It will haul all your gear to an in event, win and drive you home. Apart from blowing an engine at Waterford Hills due to a missed shift it has never left me stranded at the track or on the street in 12 years of abuse. Did I mention it’s still street legal? It will get your ice cream home from the super market before it melts too despite the lack of AC. It’s that quick. Some people have even suggested it sounds a bit like a Porsche GT3!

We have never had it on a dyno but it feels quicker than our new project, an 84 911 Carrera. Engine and weight are about the same (flat 6) but the Outback gears in this make it faster off the line. Not to mention the awd traction helps too. On top of that it is probably the only rust free 90s Subaru in Michigan despite having 140K on the chassis. Engine is of unknown mileage but pulls really strong. Most of these engines become available due to their host’s (SVX) transmission giving out. These were all autos so the engine was protected from too much abuse by a big torque converter. This thing is a hoot to drive and could even be used as a daily driver with a few comfort mods (or as is).

How did you address the oil starvation problems these engines suffer from with sustained lateral g loads?

Curiosity is due to my current ride being a 5spd SVX. And yes through the first two maybe 3 gears it will pull on an 80's non turbo 911. Well at least with my two left feet trying to get used to a mechanical clutch, and being terrified I was going to break something.

Had a ride-along in this car many, many moons ago, when it was still painted like a stock Outback (WOSCA autocross in Sarnia, ON). A complete revelation. Really wish I had the bucks for this. GLWS, I mean it!